The first problem, is that no usable Lunar Lander (with storable fuel) has flown in several decades. Launch service from Earth to Space is a commodity (although an expensive one). Transport to Lunar orbit is probably available (but far more expensive). But the lander needs to be new development.

The second problem is access to space to develop and demonstrate the necessary spacecraft systems â€“ essential to get funding for the competition launch. All low cost space access options seem to have evaporated. Arianespace now offers fixed cost for anything up to 400 kg into orbit for $10 Million (more than a Falcon 1 launch).

The third and largest problem is funding. None of the registered teams have a significant part of that arranged.

We are focusing on the first problem since it is one we can solve. We are readying our NG Lunar Lander system for flight. Success with this system will put us in good shape to demonstrate both our Crusader HTS (Human Transport System) with 300 pound fuel load, and a low fuel load unit to handle the Google required Rover.

We do not believe we will be able to attract the necessary funding without maintaining the conceptual link between the Google, robotic application, and our promised human access to both the Moon and Mars. Human expeditions have a far greater global interest than robotic efforts and therefore greater sponsorship potential. Since a modular adaptation of our nearly operational vehicle will address both types of applications, one will prove the technology of the other.

R. Speck
"The third and largest problem is funding. None of the registered teams have a significant part of that arranged. "

Would you be interested in working with a web marketer to build public awarness and to try to get businesses etc to donate money? I would work for free and provide the purchasing for the ad space at least at first. Though I do have some free ad methods I could use as well.

I have done volunteered at the astronomy center in Hawaii because of my interest in helping advance science.

We are working with a few local people to do testing of our bidirectional radio system with a small balloon at high altitude and distances approaching those seen with a LEO spacecraft. Realistically, this would be an effort to qualify our radio, and radio tracking systems, for use in a CubeSat. With modestly better antennas on the Spacecraft, and much better antennas on the ground, this system could also serve for GLXP spacecraft telemetry, tracking and control.

Do you currently have, or will you make available any multimedia for the rocket launch? I would imagine you will have to do a lot of testing if you want suborbital spaceflight this year. Will these tests be uploaded so that people can see your progress? or would you prefer to keep your testing private?

It seems that there are more and more organisations using high altitude balloon tests to get valuable data.